Purpose, Performance, and Process Influence on Airline Pilot Trust in Automation Technology: A Quantitative Study

The purpose of this quantitative, descriptive survey study was to determine if purpose, performance, and process influence airline pilot trust in automation technology. The role of a tool is an extension of human capabilities. Initially limited to mechanical extensions of arms and legs, tools are more sophisticated and extend into mental abilities. Quantum leaps in computer and automation technology mitigate repetitive or complex calculations using developed cognitive processes. Through the Trust in Automation theoretical lens, this study used the Likert-based System Trustworthiness Scale offered online to approximately 3,000 airline pilots using simple random sampling methods comprising voluntary submissions. Data was analyzed using multiple linear regression. The findings of this research indicated that airline pilots generally trust automation technology. Further, airline pilot trust in automation technology is influenced by system performance, purpose, and process. Despite the benefits of this study, there remains vast potential for unlimited future research into variations in pilot demographics, diverse technologies, and differing flight deck automation technology design philosophies. This study was intended as a generalized overview. A more granular and specific study may provide profound insight.